Pi power supply

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mdav056

370 posts

Ultimate Geek

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# 249140 27-Apr-2019 12:12

Hi -- I am trying to set up some systems with Pi 3Bs and Piface 2s and touchscreens, and found an interesting power supply oddness.

Everything runs fine (well, currently it won't find the Piface 2, but that's different problem) on the 2.5 amp power supply that came with the Pi, but because I have a number of these, and aim to use larger touchscreens), I bought a 5v 6 amp Orico DCW-4U multi-output charger. The setup won't work on the Orico because the voltage is too low (it measures at 4.7-4.8 vDC).

Is this because the Orico is too er intelligent to act as a simple power supply? It charges cellphones fast and fine, so it's clearly good for some things.

Just wondering before I go and buy different multi-output supplies.

gml

geocom

541 posts

Ultimate Geek

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# 2226266 27-Apr-2019 12:23

2 people support this post

Its more likely that the cable your using. Not all USB cables are made the same some use wires that cannot push enough current through.

Try one that is actually listed as a charging one these will typically have 2 thicker wires for power and 2 smaller wires for data.

This is one of the reasons I wish Raspberry Pi foundation would move to USB c. Its harder to find bad usb-c cables where as it is very very easy to find bad Micro USB cables.

Geoff E

mdav056

370 posts

Ultimate Geek

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# 2226271 27-Apr-2019 12:32

Thanks, geocom, I'll play with that solution

gml

mdav056

370 posts

Ultimate Geek

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# 2226273 27-Apr-2019 12:45

Just tried a couple of official Samsung leads, and no better -- same 4.7-4.8 vDC. The Pi's own supply never goes under 5.0. Don't think it is a lead problem, but thanks anyway.

gml

raykayjay61

1 post

Wannabe Geek

# 2226285 27-Apr-2019 13:05

I use an Orico power hub that does just fine with five Pi3's , all with cameras and it works just fine. Unless of course the hub itself is the problem after you eliminate the cables that is about the last possibility

mdav056

370 posts

Ultimate Geek

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# 2226332 27-Apr-2019 13:32

Curiouser. I also tried another (4 usb output) Orico, with the same result as the 5 output one. So then I tried an Anker 5-output IQ charger, and get 4.7-4.8, again not enough.

I've now tested many combinations of leads and chargers, and it looks to me as if the multi-output usb chargers are not working for me at all. @raykeyjay61, what Orico are you using?

gml